Lakmal, Glasgow

Lakmal Kahawela came to the UK with his wife and two children from Sri Lanka in January 2001. He was a prominent opposition politician and businessman in Columbo, and left the country following death threats to himself and his family during the 2000 elections. After a month in London, the Kahawela's were relocated to Glasgow, where Lakmal has become involved in local community organisations and is on the board of his sons' school.

Lakmal has been refused asylum twice, and is currently making his third appeal. If successful, he would like to set up his own accountancy business, but plans to return to Sri Lanka as soon as the political situation stabilises.